[IC/OOC] The Vanaras (a.k.a. the Cerynei Herd!) - see p. 7

[xo maho]

*gasp* Look, a banner... More on the way. <3

Welcome to the Vanaras Herd! The Vanaras is a herd more than two years in the making, and is primarily a herd for Cerynei. Please scroll down to find out more. <3

Looking for new members!
The Vanaras are looking for new members to help us roleplay out an old herd plot!

 

[xo maho]

Rules
Before posting here, please consider the following rules and guidelines:

• Follow Gaia ToS and all Soquili rules.
• For plotting with the herd as a whole or outside of the herd, please [click here.]
• Common sense is key. <3
• Chatting is fine; just don't get too off-topic.
• Don't be afraid to ask if you have a question. We don't bite. Seriously.
• More rules may be added at any time.

An Important Note:
The Vanaras Herd is not RP required. All we ask is that you fill out a member profile upon joining so we can all keep track of the herd dynamics. However, we still adore RP and would love to see some!

 

[xo maho]

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Beliefs, Lifestyle, & Membership
As this herd is based largely around traditional Cerynei customs and beliefs, please read this, from their information page:

Soquili Kinds & Breeds and Setting Information: Cerynei Post

Cerynei Soquili

Cerynei (Pronounced ser-uh-nee) are a kind of soquili that bears a striking resemblance to deer. They are more slightly built than regular soquili, and they have deer-like features such as cloven hooves, a deer-like tail, and differently shaped ears. The males even can grow large antlers.

The cerynei do not claim to be descendants of common deer. Instead, like everything else that sprung up from the land, from the greatest oak tree to the smallest seedling, the Cerynei claim a line of heritage rooted deeply into the land itself. As legend was told by the eldest of the great heard, the Cerynei’s graceful bodies emerged from the trees themselves. The male’s large antlers were the signs of the once large boughs that hung in the canopy above, and the females elegant bodies were like the long slender trunks that would charmingly dance to one another in the wind.
((Legend by Hanging Gallow, winner of a concept contest when the race was introduced))

Many many centuries ago, the cerynei race once roamed across the land, nearly as frequent in number as their cousins, the regular soquili. Over time, they slowly decreased in number, and eventually they parted ways with their hooved brethren, creating their own sect in a land far away from their hornless counterpart.

It was during this time that their numbers began to once more increase, the deer-like horses roaming the forests and valleys... that is, until the fires began to increase in numbers, as well. For this particular area that the cerynei had called their home had slowly begun to deteriorate, becoming more and more prone to hosting wildfires that consumed and burned down their beautiful forests and fields. After a particularly large fire swept through the land, inflicting significant damage across all that inhabited the forest and meadow it consumed, the Prince of the cerynei decided it was time, once more, to return to their former home among the Soquili.

So, leading the remaining number that were willing to part from their dying land, the Prince has ventured back into the land of his ancestors, determined to find a new home for his herd.

The members of the Vanaras may choose to have their own beliefs. However, at herd ceremonies, the Mistress/Master presiding over events will incorporate a great deal of traditional Cerynei customs in the ceremonies - this is because the traditional Cerynei ways are what the majority of the Vanaras practice.

Lifemating is very much preferred over flings; however, members will not be shunned for having flings, as many of the Vanaras leaders have children from partnerships that didn't work out in the end.

As for membership, any soquili may join the ranks of the Vanaras, provided that at least a little bit of Cerynei blood is apparent. This can consist simply of a pair of fuzzy ears, a short tail, antlers, or cloven hooves (unicorn, kirin, and kalona included). They will also be checked for good intentions - potential members who have torture, or something of the like, in their hearts will be turned down. Potential members that do not display the Cerynei phenotype will most likely be taken in on good faith.

Honorary membership is generally reserved for the mates of current members and special cases. Those seeking honorary membership for their mates will be interviewed by the herd leaders, and, if/when accepted, will be assigned special sleeping quarters of their own. These special sleeping quarters are to ensure that the peace is kept between all the members - no one may interfere with another's 'nest.' Honorary members' nests are usually in the same area as the family and lifemate nests.

Please inquire if you have a soquili who would like to apply for a special case of honorary membership. This can include traveling healers, possible allies, and soquili that might not fit in anywhere else. <3



Totem

Antlers are the totem of the Vanaras - they represent the strength and elegance of the Cerynei. The sharp edges show their intelligence, and the soft fuzz that coats them in the spring represents their gentleness.

These gorgeous antlers were donated to us by the lovely Elf Princess Flannery. <3

 

[xo maho]

Members
Click a member's image to be taken to their profile. (Profiles in the works; only some will be click-able.)



Alpha
[Plots in the works.]

Protector
Kenton


Master & Mistress of Ceremonies (Respectively)
Fayearan, Calixte


Advisors
Riverfaith


Storytellers & Entertainers
Trovin, Evangeline, Tinuviel


Instructors
Helberd; Argyris (Combat); Alexander [honorary] (Flight/Combat)


Patrol Leaders & Members, Messengers, and Scouts
Celegras, Helushka, Wicked Treat, Cheveyo, Kai


Nannies, Nursemaids, and Midwives
Mizuki (Part-time Member), Naediel


Gatherers
Lynnea


Apprentices
Amaltheia (Advisor's), Ithillun (Mistress of Ceremonies')


Members
Adeodatus, Diantha, Floarea, Enaran, Leila, Aarushi, Zaria, Loki, Naerdiel, Zheadeos, Larena, Faun, Temperance, Grayce


Honorary Members
Tethys


Ex-Members
Premaz

 

[xo maho]

---Banners Coming Soon---

Positions & Ranks

• Alpha: Leader of the herd. Makes decisions about migrations, ceremonies, new members, etc. with the guidance of the Protector, Master/Mistress of Ceremonies, and Advisors. Usually female.
• Protector: Controls scouts, emergency drills, patrols, and supervises the training of foals. May be the Alpha's personal guard. Acts under the guidance of the Alpha, Master/Mistress of Ceremonies, and Advisors. Usually male.
• Master/Mistress of Ceremonies: Presides over all ceremonies. Also a storyteller. Usually acts without the guidance of anybody, though will ask the Alpha about something occasionally. Referred to as the M/C in-thread because that's just too much to type. There will be both a male and female M/C, as some duties will be more appropriate for one than the other.
• Advisors: Three soq that act as a council for the Alpha and Protector. Will be made up of either two stallions and a mare or two mares and a stallion - the Advisors will be there for the herd, Alpha, and Protector when they are needed, otherwise, they'll have other duties.
• Instructors: Instructors teach foals and adults to fight, defend themselves, swim, etc. There will also be a flight instructor for those with wings. A grove keeper or dryad may act as a meditation and languages instructor when someone would like lessons.
• Storytellers: In charge of keeping records and passing legends down to the young.
• Scouts/Patrols: Scouts keep an eye on the borders and watch for natural disasters (fire, flooding, etc.). Winged scouts that can fly are especially handy. Scouts also run ahead when the herd is migrating. Patrols run the borders and either welcome or fight off any intruders. Both report to the Protector.
• Messengers: Fleet-footed ones that answer to patrols and whomever else may need them.
• Gatherers: Supplied with baskets for gathering food, Gatherers find berries, bark, and sometimes lead the herd to good grazing.
• Nannies/Nursemaids/Midwives: Take care of foals and baskets if the childrens' parents have other duties to attend to. Also advise expecting parents and help with birthing.
• Expecting Parents: Self-explanatory. Expecting parents are relieved from most duties. Mothers are relieved from all duties until the children reach adulthood. Fathers are relieved from some duties until the children reach adulthood. However, if at any time other than during the pregnancy they wish to return to their duties, nursemaids will take over.
• Elders/Seniors: Members that have retired from duty and have begun to feel the age in their bones.
• Apprentices: All members with rank (Alpha, Protector, Advisors, Master/Mistress of Ceremonies, Storytellers, Instructors, and Nursemaids) must take at least one foal as an apprentice in during the time they have their rank. The foal must be trained in all the duties of their mentor. In the case of the Protector's foal, it will also learn how to be a scout, messenger, and a member of a patrol.
• Members: Foals, baskets, mares, and stallions that are part of the herd and have no particular rank. They have basic chores when needed.
• Honorary Members: A Cerynei's lifemate that has undergone and passed an 'inspection' by the Alpha, Protector, M/C, and Advisors. These soq are welcome in the herd, and can often hold a rank above "Honorary Member" if they wish. They are given special sleeping places, and their mates can choose to join them there or to sleep by themselves.

Joining & Current Member Profiles

Please fill out this form if you would like to join:
(Current members have already filled this out.)

[b][size=18][color=saddlebrown]Count Me In![/b][/size][/color]
[size=11][b]Soq Name[/b]:
[b]Soq Image[/b]:
[img][/img]
[b]Trying for a Rank? Which one?[/b]
[b]Why do you think your soq would be best for this rank?[/b]
[b]Lifemated? If yes, to who, and would they be interested in honorary membership?[/b]
[b]Will you, at all costs, defend the herd to the best of your ability and not insult anybody's antlers?[/b]
[/size]

Once you've done that and been accepted, please make a profile for your soquili using this form. You can really do whatever you want to it (it's basically a shell), just give us at least a little blurb about their personality to read. That way, we know more about each member. <3 Please only use one form per post if you have more than one soquili.
Feel free to add any family members, children, familiars, and other extra info~

Also, if you would like to include an uncert for a herd picture sometime in the near future, please do. <3

[b][size=13][color=saddlebrown]Here for Roll Call![/color][/size][/b]
[size=11][color=(insert RP color here if applicable; if not, delete this tag)][b]Name[/b]:
[img](insert cert here)[/img]
[b]Rank[/b]:
[b]Mate[/b]: (if applicable)
[b]Personality[/b]:
[b]Biography[/b]:
[b]Plots[/b]: (Plots, RP availability, etc.)

Profile URL: (Post your profile, copy the url of the specific post, edit your post, and stick it here. This is for Maho's sanity. =P)
[/size][/color]

 

[xo maho]

Territory



We are currently neighbors with the Herd of Imladris.

Any and all outsiders will be treated the same way upon first being spotted on the borders: if spotted by a patrol or other member of the herd's guard, either a scout, messenger, or the spotter him/herself will alert the Protector. A greeting party will be sent out to meet the outsider, and they will be either welcomed, questioned, or told to leave.
If the outsider is spotted by a member of the herd that is not part of the guard, it is highly recommended that they do not approach the outsider. Though they may, safety is the first priority, and safety cannot be guaranteed through that course of action. It is preferred that members instead alert the guard.

 

[xo maho]

Proposals

Ranks/Positions

• Alpha: Leader of the herd. Makes decisions about migrations, ceremonies, new members, etc. with the guidance of the Protector, Master/Mistress of Ceremonies, and Advisors. Usually female.
• Protector: Controls scouts, emergency drills, patrols, and supervises the training of foals. Is the Alpha's personal guard. Acts under the guidance of the Alpha, Master/Mistress of Ceremonies, and Advisors. Usually male.
• Master/Mistress of Ceremonies: Presides over all ceremonies. Also a storyteller. Usually acts without the guidance of anybody, though will ask the Alpha about something occasionally. Referred to as the M/C in-thread because that's just to much to type. There will be both a male and female M/C, as some duties will be more appropriate for one than the other.
• Advisors: Three soq that act as a council for the Alpha and Protector. Will be made up of either two stallions and a mare or two mares and a stallion - the Advisors will be there for the herd, Alpha, and Protector when they are needed, otherwise, they'll have other duties.
• Instructors: Instructors teach foals and adults to fight, defend themselves, swim, etc. There will also be a flight instructor for those with wings. A grove keeper or dryad may act as a meditation and languages instructor when someone would like lessons.
• Storytellers: In charge of keeping records and passing legends down to the young.
• Scouts/Patrols: Scouts keep an eye on the borders and watch for natural disasters (fire, flooding, etc.). Winged scouts that can fly are especially handy. Scouts also run ahead when the herd is migrating. Patrols run the borders and either welcome or fight off any intruders. Both report to the Protector.
• Messengers: Fleet-footed ones that answer to patrols and whomever else may need them.
• Gatherers: Supplied with baskets for gathering food, Gatherers find berries, bark, and sometimes lead the herd to good grazing.
• Nannies/Nursemaids/Midwives: Take care of foals and baskets if the childrens' parents have other duties to attend to. Also advise expecting parents and help with birthing.
• Expecting Parents: Self-explanatory. Expecting parents are relieved from most duties. Mothers are relieved from all duties until the children reach adulthood. Fathers are relieved from some duties until the children reach adulthood. However, if at any time other than during the pregnancy they wish to return to their duties, nursemaids will take over.
• Elders/Seniors: Members that have retired from duty and have begun to feel the age in their bones.
• Apprentices: All members with rank (Alpha, Protector, Advisors, Master/Mistress of Ceremonies, Storytellers, Instructors, and Nursemaids) must take at least one foal as an apprentice in during the time they have their rank. The foal must be trained in all the duties of their mentor. In the case of the Protector's foal, it will also learn how to be a scout, messenger, and a member of a patrol.
• Members: Foals, baskets, mares, and stallions that are part of the herd and have no particular rank. They have basic chores when needed.
• Honorary Members: A Cerynei's lifemate that has undergone and passed an 'inspection' by the Alpha, Protector, M/C, and Advisors. These soq are welcome in the herd, and can often hold a rank above "Honorary Member" if they wish. They are given special sleeping places, and their mates can choose to join them there or to sleep by themselves.

Ceremonies

• Initiation into the herd: Have a talk with the leader? Be assigned a duty? Or a full-on ceremony?
• The arrival of baskets and foals: Baskets - Just the parents, Alpha, Protector, Master/Mistress of Ceremonies, and a nursemaid or two. Foals - Most of the herd is in attendance when they hatch.
• Midwinter and Midsummer: Marks the beginning of the migration to different feeding grounds with song and celebration.
• Lifemating: As the herd seems like it will be rather pro-lifemating, this will be a big deal. It might be similar to a wedding, except there will be no fancy clothes (that would be rather hard to pull off wink ). Instead, the bride will be bedecked in wildflowers and other pretty things and the groom in... well, whatever his buddies deem fit. Vows will be taken and the rest of the night (these will be held at sunset by a pond) will be devoted to celebration.
****However, if a soq is being lifemated to a mare or stallion of a completely different species and still wishes to remain in the herd, a celebration will only be held if the Alpha, Protector, Master/Mistress of Ceremonies deem the potential mate fit to be an honorary member of the herd.
• Honorary Membership: Honorary Membership is granted to any soq that has undergone an "inspection" to make sure they have no bad intentions toward the herd or any of the members. Most who would like Honorary Membership will be accepted by the Alpha, M/C, Protector, and Advisors, though any that have the risk of being angry/violent may be doubted or turned down.
• Coming of Age:

Territory

I'd like to propose the above as the herd's territory. If anybody has problems with this or it overlaps somebody else's territory, let me know. <- Checked that out. It doesn't overlap any existing herd's territory, though it's really close to one. heart

Future Plots

• The herd goes back to the old Cerynei lands to pay their respects to the lost herd.
• A non-Cerynei applies for Honorary Membership and manages to hide any bad intentions s/he has. Once they've become part of the herd, members will begin disappearing one by one. Desperate to find them, one or two of the Cerynei members will begin a secret search. Eventually finding evidence that points to the HM, things get rough when ____ goes missing. Finally confronting the HM, the searchers get into a bit of a mess and end up with the other kidnapped members. Not understanding, they manage to get out and drive the HM away -- but what if it wants revenge later?

 

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